Where Wilder's Deeds Rejection Fits on the Endorsement Scale

To this list, we add -- in honor of Doug Wilder -- the non-endorsement endorsement, which clocks in between the obligatory endorsement and the pariah endorsement in terms of its influence (or lack thereof).

... Late last week, Wilder not only decided not to endorse Deeds but put out a long statement detailing why he had made that decision. Wilder hit Deeds for his support of a tax increase to pay for transportation improvements ("This is not the time in our Commonwealth to talk about any kind of tax increase," said Wilder) and for his past support for gun rights provisions ("For this situation to exist and for Democrats who lead our party to say nothing is puzzling and inexplicable.").

Wilder did add that his decision not to back Deeds was "not intended to detract from Mr. Deeds in terms of character or commitment to the task of being Governor" but the damage was done.

Deeds's campaign would have been far better off if Wilder had simply stayed on the sidelines.